•Outlook: Last year's young, talented group has a year of experience under its belt and Interlandi is hoping to see some more growth throughout the season. Anders Ode will lead the team at No. 1 singles, but the group should push each other in practice with a lot of parity between the players.

•Up next: Today at Mount Mansfield

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY

•Coach: Frank Babbot (eighth season)

•Last season: 13-3; lost to South Burlington in the Division I semifinals

•Outlook: With a young group that features very few upperclassmen, Babbot expects to see a lot of improvement out of this group as the season progresses. A group of hard-workers and quick learners, the coach is hoping to see a group that will push the state's top teams at the end of the season.

•Outlook: The team's core will be the its three seniors — Liscio, Chambers and Lagerquist — who will occupy the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 singles spots. Sharkey has spent the last few seasons building up the numbers and, for the second year, has a consistent group that is willing to work hard to improve.

•Outlook: A team that made it all the way to the semifinals last season has gained another year of experience for its talented senior class. Adding two talented freshman has Murphy excited about the possibilities for the squad. "I am hoping that they can work hard and make each other players in practice," Murphy said. "And hopefully be playing out best tennis at the end of the season."

•Outlook: Last season, Mount Mansfield made some tennis history, upsetting top-seeded Burr and Burton as the 16-seed in the playoffs. This year, deTarnowsky is hoping to see more improvement from his competitive squad. With freshman Jackson Rattew, a top-rated U-14 player, joining an experienced group the Cougars are excited for the future.

•Outlook: Rice welcomes back most of its squad from last season and hopes that the experienced group can come out winners in some of the closer matches it lost last season, Fitch said. A big goal for the Green Knights this season is aiming for a playoff berth, something the coach said in well within the team's reach.

•Up next: Today at St. Johnsbury

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Essex second seed Daniel Ro smashed a back hand return to his St. Johnsbury opponent Salomon Zaga during their tennis match up at Essex High School Wednesday.(Photo: RYAN MERCER/FREE PRESS)

•Outlook: South Burlington, which won last year's state title, may have graduated six seniors but the Rebels returned the rest of the championship-winning squad. Samara has the team looking to bring a consistent strong physical and mental game to the court, relying on his seniors to lead the way, as the team looks for a 22nd state title